CONFLICT RESOLUTION, THE GODLY WAY, 08.05.19

CONFLICT RESOLUTION, THE GODLY WAY, 08.05.19

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CONFLICT RESOLUTION, THE GODLY WAY, 08.05.19How do we settle disputes, disagreements, misunderstandings with a brother/sister in the Lord, or even a leader in the Congregation? What is the appropriate, God-ordained way of proceeding with confrontation or defence over a matter?First and foremost, just as in all matters, when we are believers/followers of Messiah, we must surrender that situation, and ask the Father/Son/Holy Spirit for direction, “trusting in the Lord with all our heart, leaning not on our own understanding, but rather acknowledging Him, so He can make our paths straight. Let us not be wise in our own eyes,” (Prov.3:3-7, paraphrased), but rather look to His leading, for He “will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go . . . . give counsel . . . Do not be like the horse or the mule” (Ps.32:8,9). Instead of being stubborn and insisting on our own way, that we are right, we must seek His counsel. We must be able/willing to submit to HIS suggestion. Seek the Lord on how He wants you to proceed, and follow His instructions.The second most important thing is forgiveness. If we have been wronged, we must forgive. “Master, how often shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Yeshua said to him, “No, not up to seven times, I tell you, but seventy times seven! . . . . So also My heavenly Father will do to you, unless each of you, from your hearts, forgives his brother” (Matt.18:21,22,35). If we are at fault, we must confess/repent, andask for forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

As much as is possible, in any conflict situation, our goal is to reach a peaceful solution: “Live in harmony with one another; If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in shalom with all people” (Rom.12:17,18), through a peaceful process, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph.4:15), while being assertive, and firm, without name-calling or other aggressive forms of unnecessary behaviour. We want to conduct ourselves always in a spirit of love, and forgiveness: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matt.5:44,45). We want to handle it according to His Ways, so we can “be perfect, just as our Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt.5:48).

We want to conduct ourselves always in a spirit of love, and forgiveness